Opinion - Cleveland Cavaliers On SI - Sports Illustrated

Opinion

Oct 13, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) brings the ball up court during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Two games in, and it is apparent that the Cavaliers have a fit problem that stems from the point guard position. Let's look into why James Harden is the main culprit.

Oct 13, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) brings the ball up court during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Opinion

Two games in, and it is apparent that the Cavaliers have a fit problem that stems from the point guard position. Let's look into why James Harden is the main culprit.

Recent Articles

Sep 28, 2026; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) poses for a photo during media day at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

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Hello, Springfield? Got a name for you.

Sep 28, 2026; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) poses for a photo during media day at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Opinion

Even coming off the bench, Tyson impact could be huge

Oct 12, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Claviers Donovan Mitchell before the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians during game five of the ALDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Opinion

The Cavs tend to follow the Guardians well, and vice-versa.

Mar 19, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Miami (FL) Hurricanes center Ernest Udeh Jr. talks to the media during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images

Opinion

There are some guys who can definitely turn some heads.

Jan 10, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant (3) celebrates after hitting a three point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

NBA

Can the Cavs truly place faith in Bryant as their 3rd big?

Nov 12, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Tyrese Proctor (24) dribbles the basketball against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Opinion

A sizable backcourt role is up for grabs. Who will take hold of the job?

May 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) is introduced before game four between the Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Opinion

Where will the Cavs finish the 2026-27 season? Read on for more.

Feb 11, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers small forward Anthony Bennett (15) after a 109-99 win against the Sacramento Kings at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

NBA

Injuries. Mitigating circumstances. What could have been.

Nov. 09, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao (17) talks with teammate Daniel Gibson (1) on the court while playing against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Opinion

Some pretty cool nicknames have been handed to Cavs players over the years.

Jan 22, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) looks on during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Opinion

Could Peyton Watson Be Cleveland's biggest wild card in 2026-27?

Apr 29, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) celebrates with forward Kawhi Leonard (2) after scoring in the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers in game two of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

NBA

Somebody is going to Cleveland a run for their money. Let's get into it.

Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) and Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant (3) box out in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Opinion

If they don't fix this problem, it can threaten to derail athen entire season.

Apr 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. (9) and forward Nae'qwan Tomlin (35) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Opinion

The 2026-27 season could be the the last opportunity in Cleveland for these three players

May 19, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) controls the ball against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the first quarter of game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

News

What does the next step look like for the Cavs Big Man?

Feb 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Enaruna (21) runs on the court in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

News

Two-way discussion time. Possible contract conversions to come?

Apr 6, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. (9) dribbles as Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

News

Cleveland will be banking on internal development this season. Let's talk about it!

May 15, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) celebrates after hitting a three point basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half in game six of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

News

Let's take a peak at which players have the best chance for some new hardware.

May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Jaylon Tyson (20) drives the ball while defended by New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) in the third quarter during game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

News

Could Cleveland utilize their young Wing to create for others?

Apr 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Darius Garland (10) during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

News

Let's revisit the splashy CLE/LAC deadline deal.

Apr 29, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) celebrates against the Toronto Raptors in the third quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

News

Let's talk Cavs... Preseason

Mar 27, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant (3) reacts after a missed basket during the first half against the Miami Heat at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

News

Will Thomas Bryant be utilized more this upcoming season?

Jun 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) greets the crowd during the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship celebration in downtown Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

News

In honor of his 41st birthday, let's reminisce about the J.R. Smith experience in Cleveland.

Mar 25, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

News

Time to make some predictions on how the new forward will fit in.

May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) huddles around teammates during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

News

Spida has to trust his teammates more this upcoming season.